Well, I thought about being a total jerk and just leaving it at that while you wait all weekend to see where things go from there, but there’s actually a number of things I wanted to address about this page.

You see, I have an outline for this comic, but I don’t really follow it all the time. Make no mistake, this crash was always planned; but there have been at least three separate candidates for the other end of the collision (the other two being miscellaneous kids from page 10 - [link]), all of which taking the story in different directions. I opted for this kid instead, whom you’ll get to know quite well in the near future. He’s an important character and this is SUCH a perfect opportunity to bring him in.

And for those of you wondering, “why does that boy have an orange collar instead of a blue one like all of the other students?” Well, as part of the uniform in St. Hallvard High School, the color of the collar (and ends of the sleeves) denotes what grade you’re in: Red - Freshman Orange - Sophomore Green - Junior Blue - Senior I will probably clarify this directly within the comic at some point, but really haven’t had a solid means of doing so just yet, so I thought this friendly little reminder might be welcome, as I’m sure a number of you were wondering that.

And on a personal note, I didn’t realize it until earlier today, but I really have to stop using “crashing into each other in the halls” as a device for having characters meet… ^_^ (The Lavender Town fans will get it.)

Sorry, as you know, Rudy is one of my favorite male primary characters. Guess because its so easy to love and identify with him. But either way, it was a good decision. To me it wouldn't make sense to have an encounter with a secondary character only because it goes against the rules of roles for important characters. And the fact that Rain has no idea of Rudy's blood relation to Maria really makes the story seem logical when you think about it.

I of coarse can only guess what happened, but if Rudy blushed at noticing something up Rain's skirt you don't need to ask me what I'm thinking. Hopefully the situation doesn't crash as well.

Love how you use natural manga humor in the story. The 'Logical Progression' bit really made me laugh because it has that awkward feeling that its only presant in Rain's head and not seen by others. But either way, even if he won't be the first to know he does have to be told as Rain does seem to have some good memories with him.

Either way, just like in page 8 (i think) nothing ever goes as planned. Unfortunately leading us as the reader to come back to see their troubles continue. Really makes us seem like bad people with that in mind. But either, keep strong and continue to tell Rain's story. So far it has been beautiful.

Well, if she had bumped into one of the secondary characters, it probably would've brought them to the foreground a bit. Still, Rudy seemed like the best choice. For one thing, you're right, I really should be focusing on the characters who are already established to be important. Plus, with Rudy being in a different grade, it's a little challenging to make him interact with anyone else sometimes. As such, bumping in the halls during lunch period really isn't such a bad idea.

Fun fact: in the original fantasy version, Rudy wasn't introduced until MUCH later (almost at the halfway point of the whole story, actually). So, it's really nice to see him come in so soon. ^_^

And whatever you think Rudy is seeing, you're probably right.

I don't know why, but I was really proud of the "Logical Progression" thing. It's been about 7 years since they last saw each other, and during a time of their lives when their bodies are going to go through a lot of changes. As such, it's pretty reasonable that neither of them recognize each other. But once everything is presented to Rain, the pieces suddenly start to come together.

Readers will see Rain get into trouble again and again over the course of this story. There is no denying this; she simply doesn't have an easy life. But if I'm telling this story correctly, readers will want to come back to see how she can overcome these situations. I mean, it's not so bad if people keep coming back just hoping for the best for her, right? ^_^

Well I guess that we will see thou, I would probably say something like "You aren't really seeing what you think you are seeing, because after what is reality". Then get up and run again and try not to bump into someone again. Confuse them and run .

I have to say, i'm very impressed so far. First of, with the update schedule. I hope you'll continue to update as frequently as you have, in the future.Second, and definitely not least, i'm very impressed with what you're doing with the story and the characters. We've hardly even begun, and it's already intriguing and interesting.

I hope to see a lot of chapters and pages of pure goodness. I also hope that you find it fulfilling and fun yourself.

Thank you you very much! I try my best. Drawing out the first thirty pages before starting to post has really proved to be the smartest thing I've done. It's allowed me to keep up with the pace of posting (keeping the readers happy) without putting too much excess stress on myself by having to meet deadlines so frequently (keeping me happy).

And I'm glad you're enjoying the story and characters too. It really does mean a lot to hear that everything is already interesting; it tells me I'm doing something right.

It is very fulfilling so far, thank you. I hope I can continue to produce lots of chapters and pages that you and the other readers will appreciate. ^_^

...but the matter of the skirt I can explain. It's not that he's really looking up Rain's skirt, so much as her skirt has flown up a bit leaving decidedly little to the imagination. It's just hard to miss... and hard to look away.

OH, NO! Rain, sweetie, you need a longer skirt! (though the anatomy in the last panel is perfect) "And on a personal note, I didn’t realize it until earlier today, but I really have to stop using “crashing into each other in the halls” as a device for having characters meet…" But it works so well! And I bet the events immediately afterward are going to be different than in Lavender Town.

Thank you! ^_^ I worked long and hard on that last panel. It's... not the kind of pose I have ever had to draw before, so it was a bit of a challenge.

Well, yes, this will turn out quite differently than Amanda and Lavie's meeting. I just wanted to bring attention to the similarity in an amusing way before someone calls me out as a one-trick pony or something.

For a second there, I thought he was a she (lesbian too...sorry). Then I realized that he just looks a lot like a girl.

Now how will things work out...? Will they get together? Will they have romance, only to be broken by Rain exiting school for college? Will he be the one to know that she's transsexual? Is he Rain's childhood friend too? Am I asking too many questions? Is asking a question about questions really have meaning? Who knows...(fail plz pic)------------>